It is anticipated that the forty-two solar panels will generate 13051 kWh during a typical year and we will use over 80% of the electricity generated.
The money was made available from East Midlands Airport Community Fund as part of a pilot project to support community, charity and voluntary sector organisations to make the transition to more sustainable energy use. The initial round of funding was ringfenced specifically for local hospices.
Councillor Angus Sowter, East Midlands Airport Community Fund Committee member, said:
We’re delighted that this funding is having an impact at Treetops Hospice. Not only will it help the hospice to reduce its carbon footprint but, at current energy prices, it will also help keep costs down so that more money can be spent on the care they provide.
Our Chief Executive, Julie Heath, is delighted to see the solar panels installed:
We are very committed to playing a responsible role in the local community, including developing and delivering our environmental policy. The grant from East Midlands Airport kickstarts our plans to introduce greener ways of working in the future.
“The solar panels should help us save up to £2,000 every year in energy costs. This is the equivalent amount we must raise to provide 20 nights of end-of-life nursing care for local patients.”